WELCOME!

1. WELCOME! Mrs. Brooke Bernardini 8th grade American history bernarb@npenn.org

2. About Me • 13th year teaching history at Penndale • B.A. Social Studies Education from Temple University • M.A. History Villanova University • Post Masters certificate in Education from Colorado State University • 2 daughters (5 and 3) 

3. In history we will challenge students to… • Learn to “do history” • Analyze primary sources using the APPARTS method (author, place and time, prior knowledge, audience, reason, the main idea, significance) • Focus on Point Of View and its role in understanding the past • Build critical and analytical thinking and writing skills

4. Thesis driven RESEARCH PAPER • During second half of the year • Worth about half of the marking period grade • Multi-step process – thesis statement, outline, rough draft, research cards, final copy with works cited and parenthetical citations -About 3 weeks spent in class/library, but work will need to be done at home too

5. Textbook • American Nation, Discovery Tech book • Readings and Documents book

6. Tech book • https://app.discoveryeducation.com/techbook2:course/view/techbook/socialStudies

7. Class information • Class website – Recap of the day’s activities, Power Point links, web links, research paper info, homework, etc • Google Classroom

8. Topics this Year include…Exploration and Colonization

9. American Revolution

11. Early Republic

12. Age of Jackson

13. Expansion

14. Slavery and Abolition

15. Sectionalism

16. Civil War

17. Final Grade • Each marking period worth 21% • Cumulative Final worth 16% • Plus grades are now given (88% = B+) • Factors into GPA (grade point average) • Final Grade (as well as teacher and parent input) decides placement for following year • High School GPA calculated beginning in 9th grade – (HP weighted more than honors class)

18. HP Expectations: • Academic Maturity • Drive for academics, wants to read materials • Strong work ethic • Completes work thoroughly and, above all, on time • Natural Ability • Can do more than simple memorization • Demonstrates critical and analytical thinking skills • Strong academic performance throughout the year • Attitude • Exhibits motivation, self direction, and the ability to work independently and in a group

19. Grading Policies • HW assignments are 5-10 points each, HW is written on the side board in the same spot each day • Late HW is accepted for ½ credit • Quiz/Tests are given every few weeks, multiple choice, true/false, short essays (one paragraph with main idea, details and conclusion sentence) • Extra Credit Bernie Bucks = one raw point • Home Access Center – Get sign in info. from guidance, students and parents can see assignments and grades • Interims - Issued at midpoint of marking period – C or below a detailed interim will be issued

20. Absences • Students should check website • Handouts given each day are kept on shelf, example binder • Students are responsible for making up missing work – that includes showing me their homework and scheduling quizzes and test make-ups